Numbers 33:19

Analysis & Commentary

And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez. Leaving Rithmah marks the beginning of decades of wilderness wandering resulting from Israel's rebellion at Kadesh. What should have been direct journey to conquest became circular wandering in judgment. Yet even judgment didn't sever God's covenant commitment—He continued leading, providing, and preserving His people.

Rimmon-parez (רִמֹּן פָּרֶץ, Rimmon Parets—"pomegranate of the breach") combines the image of fruitfulness (pomegranate) with brokenness (breach). This paradoxical name may commemorate both God's continued provision (symbolized by fruit-bearing pomegranates even in wilderness) and Israel's broken relationship through disobedience (the breach of covenant trust). Pomegranates adorned the high priest's robe and temple pillars, symbolizing beauty, fruitfulness, and abundance—yet here paired with "breach."

The journey from Rithmah to Rimmon-parez illustrates that divine discipline doesn't mean divine abandonment. Though Israel would wander forty years until the rebellious generation died, God faithfully led them, sustained them with manna and water, and preserved them from enemies. The "breach" wasn't irreparable—God's ultimate purpose to bring Israel into Canaan remained secure, merely delayed by human unfaithfulness. This foreshadows how Christ has healed the ultimate breach between God and humanity caused by sin.

Historical Context

Rimmon-parez's location remains unidentified, likely somewhere in the northern Sinai or southern Negev wilderness region where Israel wandered after the Kadesh rebellion. The encampments listed in Numbers 33:19-36 span the thirty-eight year period between leaving Kadesh initially and returning there near the end of the forty years (Numbers 20:1). During this time, the rebellious generation gradually died in the wilderness as God had sworn (Numbers 14:29-35). The pomegranate reference in the name may indicate the site had some vegetation, perhaps a wadi bed where desert shrubs including wild pomegranates could grow. The "breach" likely refers to Israel's covenant rupture through unbelief, though the specific event commemorated by this name is not recorded in Scripture.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the name "pomegranate of the breach" illustrate God's continued provision even during periods of divine discipline?
• What does God's faithfulness to lead Israel despite their rebellion teach about the irrevocability of His covenant promises?
• In what ways have you experienced God's sustaining grace during seasons of discipline resulting from your own disobedience?